new member & new project

[craigs55]

I have a 1955 GMC 150 3/4 ton longbed truck that I bought this past year. I am going to convert it over to a short bed and use a mid-seventies firebird subframe that I already have. I haven't decided on the rear end or rear suspension yet. I have seen how people shorten the frames for the shortbed and it doesn't look that complicated, but was wondering if i would be better off just finding a shortbed frame to put my subframe on? Most of the suspension stuff I've seen for the rears say 1/2 ton only. What are the real differences between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton chassis?

[OKGMC4]

Welcome! Glad to see another GMC on here. If you already have the F body subframe, do you have the 10 bolt rear from it, too? That's a common one to use to keep the bolt pattern and track width the same. Replacement 8.5" axle parts are easy to find, too. What engine are you planning?

[shadow1967]

My 3/4 had spring helpers with a secondary perch, so this no load ride was ok. But with a load the secondary spring were engaged.

[Kim57]

Welcome.
Kim

[craigs55]

I have a 327 chevy small block and turbo 350 trans. that I'm going to use. For the rear I have a '55 chevy parts car and was thinking about using the rear from it. Wonder if the leaf springs would match up? I also have a complete jag rearend, but didn't really want to do that much fabrication.